The South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District hopes to begin construction this fall on two fire stations approved by voters via referendum in March.
Tim Schmitt of 222 Architects, presented his company’s building plans this week to the South Elgin Planning and Zoning Commission, which recommended the South Elgin Village Board approve the special use permit, aesthetic design and site plans needed for the two properties.
However, there was one caveat. Commissioners recommend the fire stations’ Dumpsters be enclosed as part of the final deal, which the village board will vote on at a later date.
Construction will begin first on Station 23 at 498 N. South Elgin Blvd. The fire district has owned the property, adjacent to a South Elgin water tower, for about 15 years, Fire Chief Steve Wascher said.
Station 23 is set to be a “jump station.”
“Three people in that station will ‘jump’ from an ambulance to the engine,” depending on need, Wascher said.
“If that ambulance goes out of Station 23, the engine will follow out of Station 21,” Assistant Fire Chief Mike Rothecker added.
That leaves an ambulance for other calls at Station 21, he saidd.
Station 21 is to be built at 1090 W Spring St. Construction there should begin shortly after work on the South Elgin Boulevard station begins, Wascher said.
Station 23 should be complete in July 2019 and Station 21, which will replace the current fire station in downtown South Elgin and house the district’s administrative offices, in early fall 2019.
Elgin’s Lamp Construction Inc. is the construction management firm for the two stations.
As part of the work, the district will also work with South Elgin to make upgrades to Stonington Place, which borders the east side of the new Station 21, Schmitt said. Fire engines will use that street to return to the station, he said.
Water detention is planned on-site, which should help with flooding issues in the surrounding area, especially on Stonington Place, Schmitt said.
Current plans call for a basement to built as part of Station 21 to be used for training and group meetings. If it’s determined to be unfeasible, a small second building could be added to the back of the lot for that purpose, Schmitt said.
The district’s third station, at 2055 McDonald Road, opened in 2000. No changes or additions are planned for that facility.
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